Column configuration for sporting equipment

ABSTRACT

A portable sporting equipment assembly including a column removably attachable to a base. The column can include a tapered foundation and can be inserted through a bottom of the base. The base includes an opening with a taper that is complimentary to the tapered foundation of the column. One or more horizontal notches can secure the tapered foundation of the column into the base when engaged with one or more horizontal recessions of the opening of the base. The tapered foundation can reduce strain at an interface between the column and the base.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to portable sporting equipment assemblies, and more particularly to a tapered column insertable into a base for portable sporting equipment.

BACKGROUND

Conventional portable sporting equipment (e.g., portable basketball hoops and volleyball nets) include a column to hold up equipment, such as a backboard or volleyball net. The column is typically a cylindrical pole anchored into the base and may include additional braces fastening the column to the base. The base extends a significant distance in a horizontal direction to reduce a likelihood of tipping over. A large base makes the sporting equipment more difficult to transport and store, rendering the equipment less portable.

When sporting equipment is operated by a user, forces may be applied to an upper portion of the cylindrical pole which may create significant strain on the cylindrical pole at an anchoring point with the base. For example, if a user dunks a basketball into a basketball hoop, a force may be applied that pulls the upper portion of the cylindrical pole in a forward direction. Forward movement of the pole creates a strain at the base of the cylindrical pole where the pole is anchored to the base. The strain, if severe or frequent enough, can result in fracture and failure of the cylindrical pole or the base.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a portable sporting equipment assembly can include a column insertable through a base of the portable sporting equipment assembly. The column includes a tapered foundation such that a diameter increases toward a bottom of the column. The base is configured to receive the column in an opening. The opening has a taper that is substantially complimentary to the tapered foundation of the column. The column can be configured for insertion through a bottom of the base. The column can be removably attachable to the base via, for example, friction and/or one or more notches engaging with one or more recessions. One or more horizontal notches on the column can be configured to attach to a horizontal recession in the opening in the base (e.g., on an upper and/or lower portion of the base). The horizontal notches can lock the tapered foundation of the column into the base when engaged with the horizontal recession in the upper portion of the opening. The column can include a plate configured for insertion into a backboard. The plate can be removably attachable to a slot of the backboard. The plate can include a raised edge configured to wedge the plate into a slot of the backboard.

In another embodiment, a portable sporting equipment assembly includes a column insertable through a base. The column includes a vertical plate configured for insertion into a backboard. The base can be configured to receive the column in an opening. The opening can have a taper that is complimentary to the tapered foundation of the column. The column can include a tapered foundation such that a diameter increases toward a bottom of the column. The column can be configured for insertion through a bottom of the base. The column can be removably attachable to the base via one or more notches engaging with one or more recessions. The backboard can include a slot configured to receive the vertical plate. The vertical plate can include a raised edge configured to wedge into the slot. The vertical plate can be removably attachable to the backboard via a raised edge configured to wedge the vertical plate into a slot of the backboard. The vertical plate can also include depressions arranged in a checker-board pattern. The vertical plate can be attachable to the column via a bolt insertable through any of the depressions such that the bolt is flush with or below a surface of the vertical plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is more readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the following drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1G are illustrations of a column with a tapered foundation, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 2A-2G are illustrations of a base with a tapered opening, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 3A-3B are illustrations of the column inserted into the base, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 4A-4C are illustrations of a backboard assembly including the column inserted into the base, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 5A-5B are illustrations of a column with a tapered foundation, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 6A-6B are illustrations of a base with a tapered opening, according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 7A-7B are illustrations of the column inserted into the base, according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a volleyball net assembly including the column inserted into the base, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that depending on the particular application at hand, many modifications, substitutions and variations can be made in, and to, the materials, apparatus, configurations, and methods of use of the devices of the present disclosure, and the innovations herein are not limited to any of the particular embodiments that are illustrated and described herein. The description below is merely an explanation by way of some examples thereof that should be fully commensurate with that of the claims appended hereafter and their functional equivalents, and merely serves to inform one of ordinary skill in the art how to make and use the innovations disclosed herein.

Conventional columns for sporting equipment may include a column that is typically a cylindrical pole anchored into the base. The cylindrical pole may have a uniform diameter from the top to the bottom of the cylindrical pole.

A force may be applied to an upper portion of the cylindrical pole resulting in significant strain on the cylindrical pole at an anchoring point with the base. The upper portion of the cylindrical pole may be pulled in a forward direction creating a strain at the base of the cylindrical pole where the pole is anchored to the base. The strain, if severe or frequent enough, can result in fracture and failure of the cylindrical pole or the base. Thus, reduction of strain at the point where a column meets a base in portable sporting equipment is highly desirable.

Disclosed herein are various embodiments for reducing strain between a column and a base in portable sporting equipment. In an embodiment, a column can include a tapered foundation that reduces strain between the column and the column. A column with a wider diameter at a bottom that is configured for contact with the ground can exert some force onto the ground and reduce a force acting between the column and the base. Thus, the tapered foundation serves to transfer some force to the ground to reduce strain between column and base. Reduction in strain between the column and base reduces the likelihood of fracture at an anchoring point and increases the lifespan of portable sporting equipment.

FIGS. 1A-1G illustrate a column 100 with a tapered foundation 102. The column 100 can be insertable into a base. The base can have an opening configured to receive the column 100. Tapered foundation 102 can have a diameter (or width) that increases in a downward direction and decreases in an upward direction. The diameter can increase in a downward direction in one dimension but not another dimension (e.g., diameter increases front-to-back but not side-to-side) or can increase in a downward direction in two dimensions (e.g., diameter increases front-to-back and side-to-side). For example, tapered foundation 102 can include a first front-to-back diameter D₁ that increases in a downward direction to a second front-to-back diameter D₂, as shown in FIG. 1B. In an example, tapered foundation 102 can include a first side-to-side diameter D₃ that increases in a downward direction to a second side-to-side diameter D₄, as shown in FIG. 1B.

A dimension of the tapered diameter increase can result in reduced stress between the column 100 and the base in that dimension. For example, a tapered diameter increase in the front-to-back dimension can result in reduced stress between the front and/or back of the column and an opening of the base during use. In another example, a tapered diameter increase in the side-to-side dimension can result in reduced stress between the one or both sides of the column and an opening of the base during use. The stress reduction may result from a portion of the force being exerted between the bottom of the column and the ground rather than between the column and the base. In certain embodiments, a tapered diameter increase can increase the surface area of the interface between the column and the base, further reducing the stress between the column and the base.

In some embodiments, a front-to-back taper can result in substantial stress reduction. For example, if the portable sporting equipment is a basketball hoop, dunking on the hoop can be anticipated where a severe front force can cause intense stress between the lower portion of the column and a base in conventional non-tapered columns. A taper in the forward direction can redirect force (e.g., from dunking) in a forward direction by exerting a force on the ground predominantly at the bottom front portion of the tapered foundation 102, resulting in reduced stress at the column-base interface compared to conventional columns.

In some embodiments, a side-to-side taper can be included to reduce stress in a side-to-side direction. In some embodiments, both a front-to-back taper and a side-to-side taper can be included to reduce stress in every horizontal direction. A front-to-back taper can be larger than a side-to-side taper resulting in greater stress reduction front-to-back than side-to-side.

Greater stability can be achieved with the tapered foundation than with conventional column configurations. A diameter at a bottom of the tapered foundation can extend perpendicularly from an anticipated line of action of an applied force (e.g., a force pulling the basketball-hoop downward) and counterbalance the force. The larger understructure can independently resist a substantial portion of an applied force without applying significant stress onto the column/base interface.

In an embodiment, the tapered foundation 102 can extend from approximately a notch 106 to a notch 104. Notch 104 can be located at a bottom of the column 100. Notch 106 can be located above notch 104. For example, notch 106 can be located within the bottom one-third of a height of the column 100.

Notches can extend outwardly from the column 100. Notches can be shaped, for example, as a rectangular prism, a partial cylinder (e.g., a half cylinder), or another shape. Notches can extend in a horizontal direction. “Horizontal direction” within the context of a notch means that a greater length of the notch is oriented substantially perpendicular to an angle of insertion into an opening of a base.

Various numbers of notches are contemplated. One or more notches can be positioned on a front, back, left side, right side, or any combination thereof. For example, notch 106 can be position on a left side of the column and an analogous notch can be positioned at substantially the same height on the right side of the column. In an example, notch 104 can be positioned at the bottom left side of the column and analogous notches can be positioned on the bottom right, bottom front, and bottom back of the column. The notches can be configured for insertion into complimentary recessions in the opening of base, as discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2G.

In an embodiment, notches can secure the column within an opening of the base. In another embodiment, the column can be secured within the opening with friction alone. For example, the column can be configured to fit tightly within the opening such that friction forces secure the column within the opening without a notch.

Additionally or alternatively, the column 100 can include one or more recessions. For example, column 100 can include a recession at an upper portion of the tapered foundation 102 and the base can include a notch complimentary to the recession. The column 100 can include both notch(es) and recession(s) configured to secure the column 100 to a base via complimentary recession(s) and notch(es), respectively, within an opening of the base.

FIGS. 2A-2G illustrate a base 200 with a tapered opening 202. The opening 202 can have an upper front-to-back diameter D₆ extending downward to lower front-to-back diameter D₈. The lower front-to-back diameter D₈ can be larger than the upper front-to-back diameter D₆. The opening 202 can have an upper side-to-side diameter D₇ extending downward to a lower side-to-side diameter D₉. The lower side-to side diameter D₉ can be larger than the upper side-to-side diameter D₇.

The taper of the opening 202 can substantially compliment a taper of the tapered foundation 102 of the column 100. For example, the taper of opening 202 can have approximately the same increase in diameter from top to bottom as the insertable portion (e.g., tapered foundation 102) of the column 100. A person of skill in the art will recognize that tolerances vary among parts and manufacture methods, and the opening 202 can conform to the tapered foundation of the column 100 within a reasonable tolerance. The opening 202 can have a slightly larger diameter than the insertable portion of the column 100. For example, the diameter D₆ of the opening 202 can be slightly larger than the front-to-back diameter D₁ of the column. The diameter D₇ of the opening 202 can be slightly larger than the side-to-side diameter D₃ of the column. The diameter D₈ of the opening 202 can be slightly larger than the front-to-back diameter D₂ of the column. The diameter D₉ of the opening 202 can be slightly larger than the side-to-side diameter D₄ of the column.

The opening 202 can include recessions 204, 206 configured to receive notches of the column. For example, recession 204 can be configured to receive a notch on a bottom of the column (e.g., notch 104). Recession 206 can be configured to receive a notch at a top of the lower tapered foundation 102 (e.g., notch 106). Recessions can be configured to receive notches by being positioned in a complimentary location and having a complimentary shape to a notch. Column 100 can be secured into position within the opening 202 when one or more notches enters one or more complimentary recessions.

Recessions can be a void extending inwardly into the base 200. Recessions can be shaped, for example, as a rectangular prism, a partial cylinder (e.g., a half cylinder), or another shape. Recessions can extend in a horizontal direction. “Horizontal direction” within the context of a recession means that a greater length of the recession is oriented substantially perpendicular to an angle of entry by a column.

Additionally or alternatively, the base 200 can include one or more notches. For example, base 200 can include a notch at an upper portion of the opening and the column 100 can include a recession complimentary to the notch. The base 200 can include both recession(s) and notch(es) configured to secure the column 100 to the base 200 via complimentary notch(es) and recession(s), respectively, on the tapered foundation 102 of the column.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an example of the column 100 inserted into the base 200. FIG. 3A illustrates a plate 312 with a raised edge 314. Plate 312 can be oriented in a vertical direction. Plate 312 can be configured for insertion into a backboard of a basketball assembly.

The plate 312 can be a part of or attached to the column 100. Plate 312 can be a part of the column 100 by being produced as a single unit (e.g., blow molded or injection molded as one unit). The plate 312 can be attached to column 100 by, for example, one or more bolts, an adhesive, friction (e.g., slot and protrusion) or a combination thereof. A depression (not shown) can be included in plate 312 so that the one or more bolts can be flush or below a surface of the plate 312. In an example, depressions arranged in a checker-board pattern can be included on an outer surface of the plate 312. The checker-board patterned depressions can allow bolts to be flush or below the surface of plate 312 and also provide additional structural integrity for the plate 312.

The plate 312 is insertable into a backboard, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. The raised edge 314 can act as a wedge to tighten the plate into an insertable slot of the backboard. Thus, the plate 312 can be attached to the backboard and also easily removable by dislodging the wedged edge 314 of the plate 312.

FIG. 3B is a transparent view illustrating the tapered foundation 102 of the column 100 within the opening 202 of the base 200. Column 100 is locked into position because notch 106 is engaged with recession 206 and notch 104 is engaged with recession 204. Notches can be engaged with recessions by sliding the column up through the opening 202 until the notches meet with complimentary recessions and occupy a space of the recessions. Notches and recessions can have a complimentary shape, such as, for example, a rectangular prism. For example, a notch can extend outwardly from the column 100 with a rectangular prism shape and a complimentary recession can extend inwardly into the base with a rectangular prism shape.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a backboard assembly 400. The backboard assembly can include a backboard 402, basketball hoop 404, hoop attachment 406, net (not shown), slot 412, or any combination thereof.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, plate 312 is removably attachable to slot 412 of the backboard 400. “Removably attachable” is defined as configured to (1) secure into place during normal use, and (2) be separated by application of a force by a typical user. Units are not attachable if they are not configured to stay together during normal use (e.g., during game play). Thus, although units laying on top of one another may have a friction force between them, they are not “attached” if one unit easily falls off of the other during normal use (e.g., during game play). Units that are attached, for example, by adhesion or bolting are not “removably attachable” because a typical user cannot separate units by applying a force (e.g., a typical user cannot rip apart units that are bolted together). Thus, “removably attached” requires that the units actually be attached (not merely in contact) and that the units are detachable by application of a force by a typical user.

Plate 312 includes a wedged edge 314, as shown in FIG. 3A, that wedges into a lower portion of a slot of the slot 412. By wedging into the slot of the slot 412, a greater normal force is achieved at the lower portion of the slot of the slot 412 than in other portions of an interface between the plate 312 and the slot 412. The greater normal force at the wedged edge 314 provides greater friction between the plate 312 and the slot of the slot 412. Greater friction between the wedged edge 314 of the plate and the slot 412 helps to keep the plate 312 inserted within the slot 412 during normal use of the basketball hoop assembly. This configuration is “removably attachable” because (1) the plate 312 locks into place into place within the slot 412, and (2) the plate 312 and the slot 412 can be separated by application of a force by a typical user that overcomes the friction force between the plate 312 and the slot 412.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a column 500 with a tapered foundation. The column 500 can be insertable into a base. The base can have an opening configured to receive the column 500. The tapered foundation can have a diameter (or width) that increases in a downward direction and decreases in an upward direction. The diameter can increase in a downward direction in one dimension but not another dimension (e.g., diameter increases front-to-back but not side-to-side) or can increase in a downward direction in two dimensions (e.g., diameter increases front-to-back and side-to-side). For example, the tapered foundation can include a first front-to-back diameter D₅₁ that increases in a downward direction to a second front-to-back diameter D₅₂, as shown in FIG. 5A. In an example, the tapered foundation can include a first side-to-side diameter D₅₃ that increases in a downward direction to a second side-to-side diameter D₅₄, as shown in FIG. 5A.

A tapered diameter in one dimension can result in reduced stress between the column 500 and the base in that dimension. For example, a tapered diameter increase in the front-to-back dimension can result in reduced stress between the front and/or back of the column and an opening of the base during use. In another example, a tapered diameter increase in the side-to-side dimension can result in reduced stress between the one or both sides of the column and an opening of the base during use. The stress reduction may result from a portion of the force being exerted between the bottom of the column and the ground rather than between the column and the base.

In some embodiments, a front-to-back taper can result in substantial stress reduction. For example, if the portable sporting equipment is a volleyball net, hanging or pulling on the net can be anticipated where a severe front force can cause intense stress between the lower portion of the column and a base in conventional non-tapered columns. A taper in the forward direction can redirect force (e.g., from hanging on the net) in a forward direction by exerting a force on the ground predominantly at the bottom front portion of the tapered foundation 502, resulting in reduced stress at the column-base interface compared to conventional columns.

In some embodiments, a side-to-side taper can be included to reduce stress in a side-to-side direction. In some embodiments, both a front-to-back taper and a side-to-side taper can be included to reduce stress in every horizontal direction. A front-to-back taper can be larger than a side-to-side taper resulting in greater stress reduction front-to-back than side-to-side.

In an embodiment, the tapered foundation can extend from approximately a notch 506 to a notch 504. Notch 504 can be located at a bottom of the column 500. Notch 506 can be located above notch 504. For example, notch 506 can be located within the bottom one-third or one-quarter of a height of the column 500.

Various numbers of notches are contemplated on the column and/or the opening of the base including, for example, no notches, one notch, more than one notch, more than two notches, more than three notches, more than four notches, etc. One or more notches can be positioned on a front, back, left side, right side, or any combination thereof. For example, notch 506 can be position on a left side of the column and an analogous notch can be positioned at substantially the same height on the right side of the column. In an example, notch 504 can be positioned at the bottom left side of the column and analogous notches can be positioned on the bottom right, bottom front, and bottom back of the column. The notches can be configured to engage with (e.g., for insertion into) complimentary recessions in the opening of base, as discussed further below with reference to FIGS. 6A-6B. Alternatively or additionally, the column 500 can include recessions configured to engage with complimentary notches within an opening of the base.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a base 600 with a tapered opening 602. The opening 602 can have an upper front-to-back diameter that is smaller than a lower front-to-back diameter, an upper side-to-side diameter that is smaller than a lower side-to-side diameter, or a combination thereof.

The taper of the opening 602 can be substantially complimentary to (e.g., mostly conform with) a taper of the tapered foundation of the column 500. For example, the taper of opening 602 can have approximately the same increase in diameter from top to bottom as the insertable portion of the column 500. A person of skill in the art will recognize that tolerances vary among parts and manufacture methods, and the opening 602 can conform to the tapered foundation of the column 500 within a reasonable tolerance. The opening 602 can have a slightly larger diameter than the insertable portion of the column 500. For example, the upper front-to-back diameter of the opening 602 can be slightly larger than the upper front-to-back diameter of the tapered foundation of the column. The upper side-to-side diameter of the opening 602 can be slightly larger than the upper side-to-side diameter of the tapered foundation of the column. The lower front-to-back diameter of the opening 602 can be slightly larger than the lower front-to-back diameter of the tapered foundation of the column. The lower side-to-side diameter of the opening 602 can be slightly larger than the lower side-to-side diameter of the tapered foundation of the column.

The opening 602 can include recessions 604, 606 configured to receive notches of the column. For example, recession 604 can be configured to receive a notch on a bottom of the column (e.g., notch 504). Recession 606 can be configured to receive a notch at a top of the lower tapered foundation (e.g., notch 506). Recessions can be configured to receive notches by being positioned in a complimentary location and having a complimentary shape to a notch. Column 500 can be locked into position within the opening 602 when one or more notches enters one or more complimentary recessions.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate the column 500 inserted into the base 600. FIG. 7B is a transparent view illustrating the tapered foundation of the column 500 within the opening 602 of the base 600. Column 500 is locked into position because notch 506 is engaged with recession 606 and notch 504 is engaged with recession 604. Notches can be engaged with recessions by sliding the column up through the opening 602 until the notches meet with complimentary recessions and occupy a space of the recessions. Notches and recessions can have a complimentary shape, such as, for example, a rectangular prism. For example, a notch can extend outwardly from the column 500 with a rectangular prism shape, and a complimentary recession can extend inwardly into the base with a rectangular prism shape.

FIG. 8 illustrates a volleyball net assembly 800 including two columns 500A, 500B inserted into two bases 600A, 600B, respectively. A net is disposed between the columns 500A, 500B. The net may apply a tension force onto the columns 500A, 500B in a forward (inward as illustrated) direction. The tapered foundation is configured to counterbalance a tension force extending along the net. Because of the tapered foundation of the columns 500A, 500B, a portion of the forward force is applied to the ground rather than the interface between the columns 500A, 500B and the bases 600A, 600B. By redirecting a portion of the force to the ground and away from column-base interface, the volleyball net assembly 800 may be more stable and resilient.

In certain aspects, the reference to the singular form of a word may also refer to the plural, and a reference to the plural form of a word may refer to the singular thereof. While some of the advantages of the multiple attachment point clay target hanger disclosed herein are provided, the advantages are not limited to those described herein, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate more advantages and embodiments than those explicated listed or described herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable sporting equipment assembly, comprising: a column insertable through a base of the portable sporting equipment assembly, the column including a tapered foundation such that a diameter increases toward a bottom of the column; and a base configured to receive the column in an opening, the opening having a taper that is substantially complimentary to the tapered foundation of the column.
 2. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the column is configured for insertion through a bottom of the base.
 3. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the column is removably attachable to the base via one or more notches engaging with one or more recessions.
 4. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 1, further comprising: one or more horizontal notches on the column configured to attach to a horizontal recession in an upper portion of the opening in the base.
 5. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more horizontal notches secure the tapered foundation of the column into the base when engaged with the horizontal recession in the upper portion of the opening.
 6. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a backboard attachable to an upper portion of the column; or a volleyball net attachable to the column.
 7. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 1, wherein the column includes a plate configured for insertion into a backboard.
 8. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 7, wherein the plate is removably attachable to a slot of the backboard.
 9. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 7, wherein the plate includes a raised edge configured to wedge the plate into a slot of the backboard.
 10. A portable sporting equipment assembly, comprising: a column insertable through a base of the portable sporting equipment assembly, the column including a vertical plate configured for insertion into a backboard; and a base configured to receive the column in an opening, the opening having a taper that is complimentary to the tapered foundation of the column.
 11. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 10, wherein the column includes a tapered foundation such that a diameter increases toward a bottom of the column.
 12. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 10, wherein the column is configured for insertion through a bottom of the base.
 13. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 10, wherein the column is removably attachable to the base via one or more notches engaging with one or more recessions.
 14. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 10, wherein the backboard includes a slot configured to receive the vertical plate.
 15. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 14, wherein the vertical plate includes a raised edge configured to wedge into the slot.
 16. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 10, wherein the vertical plate is removably attachable to the backboard via a raised edge configured to wedge the vertical plate into a slot of the backboard.
 17. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 10, wherein the vertical plate further includes depressions arranged in a checker-board pattern.
 18. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 17, wherein the plate is attachable to the column via a bolt insertable through any of the depressions such that the bolt is flush with or below a surface of the vertical plate.
 19. A portable sporting equipment assembly, comprising: at least two columns insertable through respective bases of the portable sporting equipment assembly, the columns including a tapered foundation such that a diameter increases toward a bottom of the column, the columns being configured to support a net; the bases being configured to receive any of the at least two columns in an opening, the opening having a taper that is substantially complimentary to the tapered foundation of the column.
 20. The portable sporting equipment assembly of claim 19, further comprising: a net configured to attach to and extend between the at least two columns, wherein the tapered foundation is configured to counterbalance a tension force extending along the net. 